ST. LOUIS–Metro Transit officials released more information about its new $52 million security plan while touting progress on increased ridership and incident reporting in an effort to create a safer transit system. 

While Metro continues its proactive policing efforts, work is underway on the Secure Platform Plan. It will create centralized, highly secure entrances by converting the 38 station open access system to a closed one, granting access only through paid fare. There will also be a future station at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, according to the latest MetroLink Task Force Incident Report. 

Metro says another significant advancement is the completion of the Real-Time Camera Center. It will use 800 high-tech cameras to ensure riders and staff safety. There are plans to add another 800 cameras, with additional ones for each MetroLink platform, and future cameras in other Metro Transit vehicles and facilities.

“This new center offers capabilities that are a complete game-changer and significantly enhance our proactive approach to safety and security on the Metro Transit system and at bi-state development facilities,” said Scott. 

The first four stations to get these improvements will be in St. Clair County. Construction could begin this fall and is expected to take place six months.

Ridership and Incidents

The Metrolink Task Force Incident Report for October-December 2022 shows boardings were up 7% over the previous three months with a slight drop in incidents to 9 per 100,000 boardings, down from 10 during the previous period. 

Metro credits a proactive policing approach for the increase in more incidents being addressed.

“The collaboration between Metro Transit and our law enforcement and contracted security partners is creating a greater security presence across the entire Metro Transit system that is continuing to create a safer transit environment for riders in the St. Louis region who are increasingly turning to the system to get to work, school and recreational activities,” said Kevin Scott, General Manager of Security at Bi-State Development which operates the Metro Transit public transportation system.

Metro says 660 incidents reported in 2022, up from 598 in 2021. The report states 70% of the incidents were for standard conduct, 32% were weapons violations, 24% were due to violent crime (which is down from the previous period), 6% were for property crime.